Auvergne by Rail

Train Seats On all legs of the journey you have reserved seat Travel and carriage numbers which are shown clearly on your ticket.

Passports Please ensure your 10 year British Passport is not out of date and is valid for a full three months beyond the duration of your visit. EU, Andorra, Baggage Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino or Switzerland valid national identification cards are also As with most trains, passengers are responsible for acceptable for travel to . carrying baggage onto and off the train. Baggage can be stored on overhead shelves or at the entrance to the carriages. Trollies are available at St Pancras and Lille, but bags do need to be carried on Visas to the platform. Porters are sometimes but not British and EU passport holders are not required to always available at St Pancras. have a visa. Travel Editions recommends a luggage delivery service called thebaggageman, where your suitcase For all other passport holders please check the visa can be picked up from your home before departure requirements with the appropriate embassy. and delivered straight to your hotel; therefore removing the worry about carrying your cases onto French consulate: PO Box 57, 6A Cromwell Place, and off the trains. London SW7 2EW; Tel (020) 7838 2000/1. For further information: Information Service: Tel (0891) 887 733, Fax: (020) http://www.thebaggageman.com 7838 2046. Opening hours: 0900-1130 (and 1600-

1630 for visa collection only) Mon-Fri (except British and French national holidays). Labels Please use the luggage labels provided. It is useful to have your home address located inside your suitcase should the label go astray. Tickets You will be issued with return train tickets. Please take care not to lose your tickets and please Transfers check that the details on your tickets are accurate. On arrival in Clermont-Ferrand, transfer by coach to Your ticket is non-transferable and non-refundable. Issoire (approx. 30 mins) and Le Pariou Hotel. No refund can be given for non-used portions.

Standard Premier on Eurostar tickets is indicated by two asterisks in the class type section in the top Special Requests right hand corner. A light meal will be served to If you haven’t already, please notify Travel Editions passengers travelling Standard Premier on Eurostar. of any special requests as soon as possible to allow Standard class Eurostar tickets do not include any sufficient time to make the necessary food or drink on board, although there is a buffet arrangements. car serving drinks and snacks.

SNCF train tickets do not include any food or drink on board, although a buffet car is available.

Accommodation

Le Pariou Hotel, Issoire fruits (flan like dessert made with local grown fruit) The 3-star, friendly, family-run Le Pariou Hotel is and Pompe aux pommes (apple chausson). Coffee is located in a green and peaceful spot just outside served after the meal and will be black, in small the centre of charming Issoire, just a short walk cups, unless a café au lait (or crème) is requested. from the main sights of the town. Its excellent restaurant “Le Jardin” prides itself on its cuisine Almost all restaurants offer two types of meals: à la that uses locally-sourced ingredients. Facilities at carte (extensive choice for each course, generally this comfortable hotel include bar, lounge area, sun more expensive) and le menu (a set meal at a fixed terrace, garden, outdoor pool (seasonally heated) price). The bill (l’addition) will not be presented and spacious, contemporary bedrooms with private until it is asked for, even if clients sit and talk for bath/shower, hairdryer, TV, telephone, and half an hour after finishing their meal. Usually, a minibar. A safe is available at the reception. discretionary service charge is added to your bill in Unfortunately, rooms at Le Pariou do not include restaurants and bars, and no further tipping is coffee/tea making facilities, so we recommend you required. bring a travel kettle if required. Generally speaking, mealtimes in France are strictly For more information please visit their website: observed. Lunch is as a rule served from noon to http://www.hotel-pariou.com/en,1,1473.html 1330, dinner usually from 2000-2130, but the larger the city, the later the dining hour.

Food ’s cuisine tends to be simple, rustic, hearty Drink and delicious. The region is famous for its Charolais Wine is by far the most popular alcoholic beverage beef, its dairy products, and the quality of its pork – in France, and the choice will vary according to the mountain air is perfect for drying ham and region. One of the oldest wine producing areas in curing sausages. France, viticulture in the Auvergne dates back to Most of the traditional dishes combine pork with Roman times. The main grape varieties, Pinot noir garden vegetables such as cabbage and potatoes – (red), Gamay (red and rosé), Chardonnay and soupe au chou (cabbage and pork soup), potée Sauvignon (whites), produce light, fresh and fruity auvergnate (hotpot which includes cabbage, wines. Try the local AOCs Saint-Pourçain and Côtes potatoes, leeks, carrots, turnips and pork meat), d’Auvergne. Aligot (melted cheese, mashed potatoes and sausage). Other local specialities include Tripoux In elegant restaurants the wine list will be separate (sheep tripe with sweetbreads, herbs and garden from the main menu, but in less opulent vegetables), Pounti (meat loaf), Salade Auvergnate establishments will be printed on the back or along (dandelion and bacon salad), and coq au vin. Don’t the side of the carte. The waiter will usually be glad miss the famous tiny green Le Puy lentils – in a salad to advise an appropriate choice. If in doubt, try the with bacon, onion and vegetables, or cooked with house wine; this will usually be less expensive and salt meat. will always be the owner’s pride. General de Gaulle once asked, with a certain amount of pride, how it was possible to rule a Liqueurs from the plants of the area - liqueur de country which produced 365 different kinds of Verveine du Velay (served cold as a digestive), cheese; the volcanic region of Auvergne makes an gentiane (as an aperitif) important contribution to this selection with its Bleu d’Auvergne, Saint-Nectaire, Fourme d’, Meals included in the price of your holiday are: Salers, and Cantal. Breakfast – daily

Traditional sweets tend to be fruit based, such as Dinner – daily at your hotel. the Tarte aux myrtilles (blueberry pie), Clafoutis aux

Destination A region dominated by the volcanic majesty of the Clermont-Ferrand Massif Central, Auvergne is delightfully rustic, with Clermont-Ferrand, the regional capital, sits in the the prevailing culture rooted in the past. Virtually midst of wooded volcanoes and is an attractive, untouched by the ravages of modern tourism, the bustling commercial centre with thriving Auvergne is truly a destination for Francophiles who restaurants, cafés, bars and plenty of boutiques and appreciate the rugged terrain, picturesque galleries. One of the oldest cities in France, scattered antiquated towns, unspoilt rural French mentioned in Strabo’s Geography, and the starting atmosphere, magnificent Romanesque churches point of the first crusade, Clermont-Ferrand has a and outlandish pinnacles of lava. rich and interesting history. Originally two separate cities, Clermont and Auvergne regional tourist board’s website: Montferrand were united in 1630, but each part still http://www.auvergne-tourism.com/-1-2.html retains a distinct character. In the Clermont section

of the city sights include the Place St Pierre with its

daily food market, the Fontaine d’Amboise, which Places of interest included in your tour: leads via the pedestrianised Rue du Port to the Romanesque church of Notre Dame-du-Port and the Issoire Gothic Cathedral dating from the 13th Century. The A small, tranquil and attractive town, Issoire’s Montferrand part is typified by ancient Rue Kleber, turbulent history stretches back to Roman times. An lined with fine houses, known as “hôtels important aeronautical centre and a mecca for particuliers” built by prosperous merchants from glider pilots thanks to strong local air currents, the 13th to 17th centuries. Issoire boasts an outstanding 12th century abbey church - St-Aistremoine, notable for the Bosch-like For more information about Clermont-Ferrand: fresco of “The Last Judgement” with sinners being http://clermontferrandtourism.com/ cast into the mouth of a dragon. You can also visit the lively market in the town’s medieval core where & Saint-Nectaire you’ll find lots of delicious local produce and plenty The pretty town of Orcival is dominated by its of ideas for lunch! superb early 12th century basilica, said to be the best Romanesque church in the region. Montpeyroux Also noted for its Romanesque church, as well as its One of “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”, the cheese, is Saint-Nectaire. Externally, this beautiful small village of Montpeyroux perches on a hilltop church has soaring, elegant proportions and vividly overlooking the surrounding picturesque valleys. carved stonework; within, the treasury includes a th gold bust of St Baudime and a wooden Notre-Dame- Stroll the old streets and visit the 12 century St th Pierre’s church. du- Mont-Cornadore, both marvels of 12 Century workmanship.

Puy-de-Dôme

The summit of the famous dormant volcano, Puy- Besse-en-Chandesse de-Dôme, gives the most wonderful views of the With its lovely old houses and fortifications, Besse- surrounding region. Take the recently opened en-Chandesse is a picturesque and charming mountain village set in beautiful surroundings. Panoramique des Dômes rack railway up to the top, th follow the path, formerly a Roman road, and the Sights here include the 12 century church, the quaint cobbled Rue de la Boucherie, lined with grey whole of the Auvergne will open up before you. th cottages made of lava stone including the 15 For more information about the Panoramique des century Queen Margot’s House that is now home to th Dômes: http://www.panoramiquedesdomes.fr/ a small ski museum and a 16 century town gate.

Le Mont-Dore Vichy The former spa town of Le Mont-Dore sits close to Most famous as the head of the French state during the source of the Dordogne River at the foot of the Nazi occupation in WWII, Vichy was chosen thanks region’s highest mountain. The thermal springs here to its 500 hotels which could be requisitioned for were known to the Romans but were particularly government offices - the current Aletti Palace Hotel, busy in the 19th century. for example, housed the War Ministry. These were in existence thanks to the town’s reputation as a spa resort and its superb turn of the century spa Le Puy-en-Velay buildings and parks are now protected as an Located in the bowl of a volcanic cone, the integral part of France’s architectural heritage. extraordinary town of Le Puy-en-Velay teeters on a Highlights include the Parc des Sources, Grand series of rock outcrops and giant basalt pillars. The Casino, Covered Arcades, several grand hotels, the terracotta roofs of the town are watched over by elaborate chalets and villas of the Avenue Etats- three religious landmarks perched on top of natural Unis and the Parcs d’. volcanic pillars – the Romanesque Cathedral, Saint

Michel d’Aiguilhe Chapel and a statue of the Virgin For more information about Vichy: Mary. Seen from a distance, the ensemble is one of http://www.vichy-tourisme.com/ the most dramatic sights in France. An important centre of pilgrimage since the middle ages – it is said Charlemagne visited twice – it is the starting point of the Way of Saint James. The Reading Suggestions perilously positioned Chapelle St-Michel d’Aiguilhe Graham Robb, The Discovery of France. was built in 962 by the Bishop of Puy, Gothescalk, A general introduction to French culture, landscape on his return from a pilgrimage to Santiago, and history, it also features an excellent insight into asserting Le Puy as a centre of pilgrimage. Pilgrims the distinctive character of France’s regions. assembled at the Notre Dame Cathedral, famed for its black Madonna and “fever stone” before Charles Richard Weld, Auvergne, Piedmont and heading for Santiago. Another highlight is the Savoy: A Summer Ramble, 1850. colossal red statue of Notre Dame de France, built The historian Charles Richard Weld wrote a series of on the pinnacle of the Rocher Corneille in 1860 and “Vacation Tours”, of which the account of his cast from 213 cannons captured at Sebastopol travels to the Auvergne. during the Crimean War. Le Puy is also known for its lace and lentils, and Herbert de Kantzow, Summer Days in Auvergne, boasts the excellent Crozatier lace museum. 1875. th A 19 century visitor’s account of his time in the For more information about Le Puy-en-Velay: Auvergne. http://www.ot-lepuyenvelay.fr/ S. C Aston, Peirol: Troubadour of Auvergne. A study of the famous late 12th and early 13th Brioude century Auvergnat troubadour Peirol. A small bustling town situated on a terrace overlooking the lush Allier plain, Brioude is famed for its 1060 church, the Basilique St-Julien, the largest Romanesque church in the Auvergne. Tour manager Your tour manager will be on hand throughout the Thiers tour to ensure that everything operated according Thiers is dramatically sited on a ravine over a sharp to plan. If you have any problems or questions bend in the river Durolle, splitting it into a high and please see him or her immediately – it is often low town and has a wealth of wonderfully possible to resolve complaints or problems very preserved half-timbered houses in the old quarter quickly on the spot, and do everything to help you of the high town. The town is famed as a centre for enjoy your holiday. the manufacture of knives and cutlery

For more information about Thiers: http://www.thiers-tourisme.fr/en/home.html

form of payment. Even in cities, it’s advisable to carry a supply of cash with you at all times. Varying The Basics amounts of commission can be charged.

Electricity – 220 volt, two-pin continental plug. Climate – The weather in the Auvergne at this time of year is likely to be pleasant, but there is the Drinking water – Tap water is safe to drink. chance of the odd shower. Our best advice is to (Although you’ll find a huge amount of bottled come prepared. water for sale too)

Shops and museums – Department stores are open 0900-1830 Monday to Saturday. Most shops are closed between 1200-1430. Some food shops (particularly bakers) are open Sunday mornings, in which case they will probably close Monday. Many shops close all day or half-day Monday. Please note that most museums are closed on Mondays.

Clothes & Shoes –You may like to bring a warm sweater for cool evenings. Light rain wear for the occasional storm and good grip/flat walking shoes Time – GMT +2 hours (Summer time Apr-Oct); GMT are recommended. + 1 (Standard time Nov-Mar). Language – French. Camera – bring plenty of memory cards/film and Religion – Roman Catholic. any spare camera batteries as these are not always available. Please check with your guide before National holidays – New Year’s day (01 Jan); Easter photographing people. Monday; Labour day (01 May); Victory in Europe day (08 May); Ascension day; Whit Sunday; Whit Bath plugs – The hotel has plugs for basins, but it is Monday; National day (14 Jul); Assumption of Mary useful to carry a ‘universal’ one with you. (15 Aug); All Saints’ day (01 Nov); Armistice day (11 Nov); Christmas day (25 Dec). Telephones/mobiles – You should be able to use your mobile phone in France, depending on your Currency – Euro. €1 = 100 cents. Notes are in operator and contract. denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, Tipping –To keep our tours affordable, we do not 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. increase the tour price by adding in tips. However, in the tourism industry, there is a certain level of Banks – Cashpoints compatible with international expectation that when receiving a good service, one banking networks are located in all towns and cities, does award with a tip. Tour Managers, as well as airports, major train stations and other Representatives, Guides and Drivers appreciate a spots. They usually offer an attractive exchange tip at the end of their involvement with the tour, rate. Those banks that still exchange foreign but this is entirely at your discretion. We believe in currencies into local money will always charge a allowing you to tip according to your level of transaction fee, so withdrawing money from an satisfaction with their services, but for your ATM usually represents the most logical means of guidance about £2-3 per person per day for the tour obtaining euros. manager is the norm. We would like to reiterate that tipping is an entirely optional payment and this Credit cards – American Express, Diners Club, information is given purely to answer any questions MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted across the you may have about it. country. If you’re eating at a restaurant, check prior to the meal that your card will be an acceptable

Health

Doctor/Dentist/Chemist Insurance Please talk to your tour manager if you are feeling To be covered under your Travel Insurance Policy, unwell and they will organise for you to see a if you become ill, it is essential that you contact a doctor. local doctor and also telephone the emergency Keep receipts for insurance claims. number of you insurance company. You will NOT be covered for any claim unless this procedure is carried out. Your insurance company will then decide on the best course of medical attention. Hospital Your tour manager/hotel reception will arrange hospital transport. European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) Keep receipts for insurance claims. The EHIC replaced the old E111 in 2006. Valid in all EEA countries, the card lets you get state healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes for General Health Advice free. It will cover you for treatment that is needed We suggest you take a good supply of your own to allow you to continue your stay until your individual medicines with you and always keep planned return. It also covers the treatment of some in your hand luggage in case you get delayed pre-existing medical conditions. or your luggage goes astray. General-purpose Please note that the EHIC is not an alternative to supplies for bites, stings, or scratches, and your travel insurance. It will not cover any private usual medication for headaches, or stomach medical healthcare or costs such as being flown upsets are always recommended. Oral re- back to the UK, or lost or stolen property. hydration sachets are excellent for topping up salt Therefore, it is important to have both an EHIC and and glucose levels. a valid private travel insurance policy. It is also Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for more important to note that each country’s healthcare generally information specific to the country you system is slightly different, so the EHIC might not are visiting – www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk cover everything that would be generally free on the NHS. We strongly recommend that you take out an Sun Protection appropriate travel insurance policy when you Always ensure you take sufficient sun protection travel abroad. and moisturiser. A sun hat and sunglasses are also advisable. For more information about the EHIC please visit: https://www.ehic.org.uk

Inoculations You should check with your own doctor and take their advice as to which inoculations are required for the country you are visiting, as only they know your medical history and recommendations are liable to change at short notice.

Emergencies Should an emergency arise, please call our offices on: 00 44 20 7251 0045 Outside office hours (Mon-Fri 0900-1700), telephone our emergency staff on: 00 44 20 7431 8201 or 00 44 7899 796542 or 00 44 7831 133079 or 00 44 1235 850720 PLEASE USE THESE NUMBERS ONLY IN THE EVENT OF A GENUINE EMERGENCY.

If you find that you are in need of consular assistance during your holiday:

British Consulate Marseille 24 avenue du Prado 13006 Marseille France +33 (0)4 91 15 72 10 [email protected]

Mon, Wed and Fri: 0900 to 1230. Outside these hours a consular Emergency Service is in operation and can be contacted on +33 (0)4 91 15 72 10

Travel Editions 69-85 Tabernacle Street, London EC2A 4BD Tel: 020 7251 0045 Email: [email protected] www.traveleditions.co.uk

PLEASE NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PRINTING. IT IS MEANT AS A GUIDE ONLY AND WE CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ERRORS OR SUBSEQUENT CHANGES.